Mental Health & Behavioral Disorders

ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood. It is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.

In this overview, you’ll learn what behaviors to look for in your child as you and your health care providers evaluate a potential autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. We also provide guidance on how to best care for your child with autism.

Persistent depressive disorder is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that often resembles a less severe, yet more chronic form of major (clinical) depression.

The term eating disorders refers to a variety of conditions that involve abnormal eating behaviors. Eating disorders are serious mental health problems that can be life-threatening, so they require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined as uncontrollable, ongoing worry, fear and anxiety (nervousness).

A learning disorder is defined as difficulty in an academic area. A child's ability to achieve in the specific academic area is below what is expected for the child's age, educational level, and level of intelligence.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) includes thoughts and obsessions (impulses or images) that occur over and over, and that cause a child or teen to feel a great deal of distress.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a child stops breathing during periods of sleep.

Panic disorder is diagnosed when a child has recurring panic attacks and ongoing concern about having more attacks for longer than one month.

PANS and PANDAS are diagnoses that often include the sudden onset of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or eating restrictions as well as symptoms from at least two of seven categories. Learn more about diagnosing and treating this condition.